Jabbar Raisani comes clean about Aang’s flying abilities that sparked controversies.

The beloved animated series Avatar The Last Airbender has been a topic of discussion among fans for years. But one aspect that recently sparked controversy is Aang’s flying abilities. While in the original animated series, Aang lacked the power to fly, which made him stick to gliding. The first episode of the new live-action show made it look like the character was actually flying.

Aang’s gliding scene in Nickelodeon’s Avatar The Last Airbender (2005)
This particular misunderstanding led to a long-standing debate among fans who wondered if the new Netflix adaptation, Avatar: The Last Airbender, offered Aang with new powers like that of flying. But recently, the debate was put to ease by the live-action show’s seasons 2 and 3 showrunner Jabbar Raisani, who clarified that Aang can only glide using his airbending skills, not fly.

Controversies Surrounding Aang’s Flying Abilities

Ever since the debut of the, the beloved animated series has become a great topic of discussion among fans. From addressing the favorite Avatars to determining which character has the most power, the animated show gradually gave birth to several adaptations. But among all, the one aspect that has captivated fans through the years is Aang’s flying abilities.

Being an Airbender, fans had expected the character to have the ability to soar in the open sky like a bird. But, the creators and writers of the original animated show have always been clear that Aang can only glide using his airbending skills, not fly. Despite clarification, the controversy persisted, which led to a deeper exploration of the show’s world-building, animation style, and creative choices.

Aang’s flying scene in Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender (2024)
However, following the release of the live-action Netflix show Avatar: The Last Airbender (2024), a misunderstanding began as the early seasons depicted Aang’s gliding abilities with such fluidity and grace that it made him look like he was flying. The live-action show seemingly fueled the confusion, showing Aang flying in a flashback scene. It was apparently Aang’s movements and poses while gliding that resembled those of flying creatures, which led to the misunderstanding.

Showrunner Jabbar Raisani Clarified the Misunderstanding

Considering the prevailing controversy and confusion surrounding Aang’s flying abilities, the live-action Netflix series’ co-showrunner Jabbar Raisani addressed the misconception and tried to justify the truth. Just like it was previously confirmed during the animated show that Aang simply possesses gliding capabilities, even Raisani emphasized the same via The Direct.

“Yes, there is one thing that surprised me. There was this common thread that Aang could fly. And I was like, ‘No, Aang can’t fly. Aang is falling with style.’ I want to do a diagram to show exactly that he’s always falling. It’s the opening sequence mainly.”

Claiming that Aang’s gliding abilities are a creative choice, which was meant to convey his connection to the air element and his spiritual growth, Jabbar Raisani later joked about making “a YouTube video” to clarify the misunderstanding. The showrunner made it clear that gliding is an integral part of Aang’s character and the Avatar world.
Gordon Cormier as the Avatar Aang (Courtesy of Netflix)

“I was like, ‘No, that was, like, very clearly designed,’ obviously, not clearly enough. But to make sure that he’s always falling, and I was like, ‘No!’ I’m gonna do a YouTube video, like he’s not flying, he’s falling.’”

Although the debate gave fans a few sleepless nights determining whether Aang could fly or not, Jabbar Raisani eventually debunked the controversies surrounding Aang’s flying powers. So, on a positive note, even though the speculations turned into a long-drawn debate, it undoubtedly highlighted the passion and dedication of the Avatar fandom.

Avatar: The Last Airbender is available on Netflix.